Pages

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Apple Streusel Pie Bars

Apple Streusel Pie Bars

I am one lucky mom. My children all enjoy creating in the kitchen. My son is more of a cook than a baker . While he has had success baking he doesn't chose to do it often (only when he needs a chocolate chip cookie). Both of my daughters have developed into very accomplished bakers. They are well on their way to being able to adapt recipes to suite their own style and taste.
Mini Me, my second daughter, made these fruity apple pie bars. Moist and cinnamony they are loaded with apples and have a crisp streusel topping. Served on a plate they would be delicious with ice cream, but the beauty of these bars is that they can be eaten out of hand. Apple pie with out a fork! The original recipe comes from Brandy at Nutmeg Nanny, Mini Me made a few changes of her own to make this tasty treat for party we were having. I think they were a hit, people were eating them by the handful ( stacking one or two on the left hand while eating one with the right).

After preparing apples put in glass bowl , cover with waxed paper and micro wave on high a few minutes (depending on your micro wave) to soften. This gives the apples a head start in baking, you can omit this step if you want.
Add remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar to apples along with the lemon zest, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a grind of fresh nutmeg, stir gently to dissolve sugar. Arrange apples over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the filling. Bake 30-35 minutes or until apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Remove pan to wire rack to cool completely. Glaze and serve.

Combine butter, powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl mix with a fork for spoon until crumbly. Add vanilla and milk and stir until a smooth paste is formed. Add more milk a drop at a time until glaze is thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over top of apple bars. Cut and serve.print recipe